The football transfer market is abuzz with speculation linking former Chelsea players, notably Christian Pulisic and Noni Madueke, with moves to other Premier League clubs. Reports suggest these players could potentially replicate the success of stars like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne if given new opportunities.
Context of Player Movements and Comparisons
Several reports suggest that clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool are keeping an eye on players who previously played for Chelsea. The common thread in these discussions is the comparison of these players' potential to that of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, both of whom achieved significant success after leaving Chelsea.

Christian Pulisic: Mentioned in relation to Arsenal (Article 1) and as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool (Articles 3 & 4). Pulisic is currently playing for AC Milan.
Noni Madueke: Linked with a move to Arsenal (Article 2), with the potential to follow a path similar to Salah's career trajectory.
Mykhailo Mudryk: Another Chelsea player who has been discussed in terms of his potential to become like Salah or De Bruyne if he were to leave the club (Article 5).
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The narrative framing these potential moves often hinges on the idea that players who did not fully flourish at Chelsea could "turn into" future stars at different clubs, drawing parallels to Salah's own journey after leaving Chelsea and experiencing difficulties.
Emerging Transfer Speculation
Reports indicate that Arsenal is being tipped to sign Christian Pulisic and mold him into a player akin to Mohamed Salah (Article 1). This speculation arises as Liverpool is reportedly monitoring Pulisic's situation at AC Milan, viewing him as a possible successor to Mohamed Salah whose contract is nearing its end (Articles 3 & 4).

Meanwhile, Noni Madueke's potential move to Arsenal is presented as a situation that could mirror Chelsea's past "mistake" of letting Mohamed Salah depart (Article 2). The suggestion is that if Madueke were to succeed elsewhere, it would echo Salah's trajectory.
Past Decisions and Potential Future Outcomes
The history of players leaving Chelsea and subsequently achieving superstardom is a recurring theme.
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Mohamed Salah's departure from Chelsea and subsequent rise to prominence is frequently cited. Jose Mourinho's decision regarding Salah at Chelsea is framed as a "dark shadow" over the club (Article 2).
Kevin De Bruyne is also mentioned in parallel discussions, having also achieved significant success after his time at Chelsea (Articles 1 & 5).
These past events create a framework for discussing the potential of current or former Chelsea players. The idea is that clubs can "repeat their Salah transfer mistake" by letting promising talent depart (Article 2).
Player Development and Club Strategies
The potential for player development at new clubs is a central element in the transfer rumors.

Christian Pulisic: The notion is that a move to Arsenal or Manchester United could allow him to mature and regain confidence, similar to how Salah and De Bruyne developed (Article 1).
Noni Madueke: His potential move to Arsenal is seen by some as an opportunity to "shine," though it's also noted that competition from existing players like Bukayo Saka might limit his playing time (Article 2).
Mykhailo Mudryk: Despite a difficult start at Chelsea, some believe he could still become a star player like Salah or De Bruyne if given time and if the team "starts clicking" (Article 5).
Expert Opinions and Comparisons
Analysts and former players are weighing in on these potential transfers and player development.
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One perspective suggests that Christian Pulisic, having left Chelsea, could emulate the path of Salah and De Bruyne if he were to return to the Premier League with a team like Arsenal or Manchester United (Article 1).
Glen Johnson, a former Liverpool defender, has reportedly suggested that Liverpool should consider signing Christian Pulisic as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah (Article 4).
Pat Nevin has expressed hope that Mykhailo Mudryk will succeed at Chelsea, warning that selling him could lead to him becoming another Salah or De Bruyne elsewhere (Article 5).
Key Considerations and Unanswered Questions
The transfer rumors highlight several critical factors and raise points for further investigation.
Player Potential vs. Current Performance: Is the comparison to Salah and De Bruyne based on past potential or current form?
Club Fit: How well would players like Pulisic or Madueke fit into the tactical systems of clubs like Arsenal or Manchester United?
Managerial Influence: What role would managers play in unlocking the potential of these players?
Club Strategy: Are clubs like Chelsea making consistent decisions regarding player development and transfers?
Competition for Signings: Are there other clubs besides those mentioned who are also interested in these players?
Conclusion
The ongoing transfer speculation surrounding former Chelsea players, particularly Christian Pulisic and Noni Madueke, centers on the possibility of them achieving breakout success at new Premier League clubs. Comparisons to Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne are prevalent, fueled by the players' past experiences at Chelsea and the potential for renewed development elsewhere. While Arsenal and Liverpool are frequently mentioned as potential destinations, the actual outcomes depend on numerous factors, including player performance, club strategy, and tactical fit. The history of players like Salah and De Bruyne achieving great success after leaving Chelsea looms large over these discussions, suggesting that clubs must be cautious about player retention and development.
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Sources Used:
Article 1: London Evening Standard - "Arsenal tipped to turn Chelsea flop into the next Salah in transfer coup" - Published: 12 minutes ago - https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-chelsea-pulisic-salah-b1271462.html
Article 2: The Sun - "Chelsea could be about to repeat their Salah transfer mistake by selling Madueke" - Published: Jul 10, 2025 - https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35791074/chelsea-mo-salah-noni-madueke-arsenal-transfer-news/
Article 3: SPORTbible - "Liverpool eyeing shock move for Chelsea flop as Mo Salah replacement" - Published: Sep 27, 2024 - https://www.sportbible.com/football/transfer-news/liverpool-mohamed-salah-replacement-transfer-157262-20240927
Article 4: Sportskeeda - "Liverpool interested in surprise move for Chelsea flop amidst Mohamed Salah uncertainty: Reports" - Published: Sep 27, 2024 - https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/rumor-liverpool-interested-surprise-move-chelsea-flop-amidst-mohamed-salah-uncertainty-reports
Article 5: TeamTalk - "Chelsea warned they'll create 'the next Mo Salah or Kevin de Bruyne' if they sell big-money flop" - Published: Sep 28, 2023 - https://www.teamtalk.com/news/chelsea-warned-create-next-mo-salah-kevin-de-bruyne-sell-flop
Article 6: Football.london - "Arsenal on standby as major Mohamed Salah transfer update emerges" - Published: Mar 19, 2025 - https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-standby-major-mohamed-salah-31234085
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